The Maria Cristina is one of the best hotels in San Sebastian. Located within walking distance of the old town, it’s also one of the best placed for visitors to explore the incredible foodie culture of the beautiful city.

A Luxury Collection hotel, the Maria Cristina is all marble floors, elegance and superior customer service. It’s part of the Starwood group of hotels so you can earn points towards your next free stay there as well. 

Don’t miss the incredible pintxos or tapas at all the bars in town. Each will have their own specialities - what more excuse do you need to bar hop?

San Sebastian was one of my favourite destinations on my tour of Europe last year. We arrived in town just in time for the Tamborrada festival, a highly energetic drum-fest where the entire town dresses up in either soldier’s or chef’s garb and parade around town banging on little drums or Tamborradas.

Also known as Donostia, San Sebastian is a foodie haven. La Tamborrada itself, so the legend goes, is a tribute to the many fine chefs of the town, who when San Sebastian was under threat by the French, joined the soldiers in their march to battle, all the while banging on their wine casks, pots and pans. Hearing the commotion, the French thought the San Sebastian army was much larger than it actually was, and ran for their lives.

Perhaps the best part of the trip was the food. From the churros con chocolate every morning to the many delicious pintxos served at every bar in town, to the 3 Michelin star Arzak, the town is a must-visit for any self-proclaimed foodie.

Located in a 14th century manor with its own tower, the Hilton Sa Torre takes luxury to a whole new level. The check in desk and restaurants are in the original manor house while the rooms, built in the manor’s original style, are truly huge. Guests can enjoy the view from the patio or a curl up in for a chat in the cozy reading nook. There is a pool on the premises, while the surrounding countryside begs to be explored with long walks or bike rides.

Cozy reading nook in my room

Just one half of my bathroom!

Comfy bed complete with chaise longue at the foot>

The hotel is located a comfortable distance away from the city - not too far to be inconvenient, but far enough to make it the perfect idyllic retreat. All in all, a gorgeous hotel!

The atmosphere is electrical. Drumbeats and singing fill the air. Adults and children alike are dressed up as soldiers and chefs. They parade through the streets, proudly striking their tamborradas. It’s the annual La Tamborrada festival in San Sebastian, Spain. Renown as a gastronomic paradise, January 20th has got to be the best time of the year to visit this seaside town.